Hybrid maize plant and seed (34K77)

ABSTRACT

According to the invention, there is provided a hybrid maize plant, designated as 34K77, produced by crossing two Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize lines. This invention relates to the hybrid seed 34K77, the hybrid plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and trivial modifications of hybrid 34K77.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is in the field of maize breeding, specifically relating to a hybrid maize line designated 34K77.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Plant Breeding

Field crops are bred through techniques that take advantage of the plant's method of pollination. A plant is self-pollinated if pollen from one flower is transferred to the same or another flower of the same plant. A plant is cross-pollinated if the pollen comes from a flower on a different plant.

Plants that have been self-pollinated and selected for type for many generations become homozygous at almost all gene loci and produce a uniform population of true breeding progeny. A cross between two different homozygous lines produces a uniform population of hybrid plants that may be heterozygous for many gene loci. A cross of two plants each heterozygous at a number of gene loci will produce a population of hybrid plants that differ genetically and will not be uniform.

Maize (Zea mays L.), often referred to as corn in the United States, an be bred by both self-pollination and cross-pollination techniques. Maize has separate male and female flowers on the same plant, located on the tassel and the ear, respectively. Natural pollination occurs in maize when wind blows pollen from the tassels to the silks that protrude from the tops of the ears.

The development of a hybrid maize variety involves three steps: 1) the selection of plants from various germplasm pools for initial breeding crosses; (2) the selfing of the selected plants from the breeding crosses for several generations to produce a series of inbred lines, which, although different from each other, breed true and are highly uniform; and (3) crossing the selected inbred lines with unrelated inbred lines to produce the hybrid progeny (F₁). During the inbreeding process in maize, the vigor of the lines decreases. Vigor is restored when two different inbred lines are crossed to produce the hybrid progeny (F₁). An important consequence of the homozygosity and homogeneity of the inbred lines is that the hybrid created by crossing a defined pair of inbreds will always be the same. Once the inbreds that create a superior hybrid have been identified, a continual supply of the hybrid seed can be produced using these inbred parents and the hybrid corn plants can then be generated from this hybrid seed supply.

Large scale commercial maize hybrid production, as it is practiced today, requires the use of some form of male sterility system which controls or inactivates male fertility. A reliable method of controlling male fertility in plants also offers the opportunity for improved plant breeding. This is especially true for development of maize hybrids, which relies upon some sort of male sterility system. There are several options for controlling male fertility available to breeders, such as: manual or mechanical emasculation (or detasseling), cytoplasmic male sterility, genetic male sterility, gametocides and the like.

Hybrid maize seed is typically produced by a male sterility system incorporating manual or mechanical detasseling. Alternate strips of two inbred varieties of maize are planted in a field, and the pollen-bearing tassels are removed from one of the inbreds (female) prior to pollen shed. Providing that there is sufficient isolation from sources of foreign maize pollen, the ears of the detasseled inbred will be fertilized only from the other inbred (male), and the resulting seed is therefore hybrid and will form hybrid plants.

The laborious, and occasionally unreliable, detasseling process can be avoided by using cytoplasmic male-sterile (CMS) inbreds. Plants of a CMS inbred are male sterile as a result of factors resulting from the cytoplasmic, as opposed to the nuclear, genome. Thus, this characteristic is inherited exclusively through the female parent in maize plants, since only the female provides cytoplasm to the fertilized seed. CMS plants are fertilized with pollen from another inbred that is not male-sterile. Pollen from the second inbred may or may not contribute genes that make the hybrid plants male-fertile. Usually seed from detasseled fertile maize and CMS produced seed of the same hybrid are blended to insure that adequate pollen loads are available for fertilization when the hybrid plants are grown.

There are several methods of conferring genetic male sterility available, such as multiple mutant genes at separate locations within the genome that confer male sterility, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,654,465 and 4,727,219 to Brar et al. and chromosomal translocations as described by Patterson in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,861,709 and 3,710,511. These and all patents referred to are incorporated by reference. In addition to these methods, Albertsen et al., of Pioneer Hi-Bred, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/848,433, have developed a system of nuclear male sterility which includes: identifying a gene which is critical to male fertility; silencing this native gene which is critical to male fertility; removing the native promoter from the essential male fertility gene and replacing it with an inducible promoter; inserting this genetically engineered gene back into the plant; and thus creating a plant that is male sterile because the inducible promoter is not "on" resulting in the male fertility gene not being transcribed. Fertility is restored by inducing, or turning "on", the promoter, which in turn allows the gene that confers male fertility to be transcribed.

There are many other methods of conferring genetic male sterility in the art, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. These methods use a variety of approaches such as delivering into the plant a gene encoding a cytotoxic substance associated with a male tissue specific promoter or an antisense system in which a gene critical to fertility is identified and an antisense to that gene is inserted in the plant (see: Fabinjanski, et al. EPO 89/3010153.8 publication no. 329,308 and PCT application PCTICA90/00037 published as WO 90/08828).

Another system useful in controlling male sterility makes use of gametocides. Gametocides are not a genetic system, but rather a topical application of chemicals. These chemicals affect cells that are critical to male fertility. The application of these chemicals affects fertility in the plants only for the growing season in which the gametocide is applied (see Carlson, Glenn R., U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,904). Application of the gametocide, timing of the application and genotype specificity often limit the usefulness of the approach.

The use of male sterile inbreds is but one factor in the production of maize hybrids. The development of maize hybrids requires, in general, the development of homozygous inbred lines, the crossing of these lines, and the evaluation of the crosses. Breeding programs combine the genetic backgrounds from two or more inbred tines or various other broad-based sources into breeding pools from which new inbred lines are developed by selfing and selection of desired phenotypes. The new inbreds are crossed with other inbred lines and the hybrids from these crosses are evaluated to determine which of those have commercial potential.

There are many important factors to be considered in the art of plan breeding, such as the ability to recognize important morphological and physiological characteristics, the ability to design evaluation techniques for genotypic and phenotypic traits of interest, and the ability to search out and exploit the genes for the desired traits in new or improved combinations.

The objective of commercial maize hybrid line development programs is to develop new inbred lines to produce hybrids that combine to produce high grain fields and superior agronomic performance. The primary trait breeders seek is yield. However, many other major agronomic traits are of importance in hybrid combination and have an impact on yield or otherwise provide superior performance in hybrid combinations. Such traits include percent grain moisture at harvest, relative maturity, resistance to stalk breakage, resistance to root lodging, grain quality, and disease and insect resistance. In addition, the lines per se must have acceptable performance for parental traits such as seed yields, kernel sizes, pollen production, all of which affect ability to provide parental lines in sufficient quantity and quality for hybridization. These traits have been shown to be under genetic control an many if not all of the traits are affected by multiple genes.

Pedigree Breeding

The pedigree method of breeding is the mostly widely used methodology for new hybrid line development.

In general terms this procedure consists of crossing two inbred lines to produce the non-segregating F₁ generation, and self pollination of the F₁ generation to produce the F₂ generation that segregates for all factors for which the inbred parents differ. An example of this process is set forth below. Variations of this generalized pedigree method are used, but all these variations produce a segregating generation which contains a range of variation for the traits of interest.

EXAMPLE 1

Hypothetical example of pedigree breeding program

Consider a cross between two inbred lines that differ for alleles at six loci. The parental genotypes are:

    ______________________________________     Parent 1   A b C d e F/A b C d e F     Parent 2   a B c D E f/a B c D E f     ______________________________________

the F₁ from a cross between these two parents is:

    ______________________________________     F.sub.1   A b C d e F/a B c D E f     ______________________________________

Selfing F₁ will produce an F₂ generation including the following genotypes:

    ______________________________________     A B c D E f/a b C d e F     A B c D e f/a b C d E F     A B c D e f/a b C d e F     .     .     ______________________________________

The number of genotypes in the F₂ is 3⁶ for six segregating loci (729) and will produce (2⁶)-2 possible new inbreds, (62 for six segregating loci).

Each inbred parent which is used in breeding crosses represents a unique combination of genes, and the combined effects of the genes define the performance of the inbred and its performance in hybrid combination. There is published evidence (Smith, O. S., J. S. C. Smith, S. L. Bowen, R. A. Tenborg and S. J. Wall, TAG 80:833-840 (1990)) that each of the lines are different and can be uniquely identified on the basis of genetically-controlled molecular markers.

It has been shown (Hallauer, Arnel R. and Miranda, J. B. Fo. Quanitative Genetics in Maize Breeding, Iowa State University Press, Ames Iowa, 1981) that most traits of economic value in maize are under the genetic control of multiple genetic loci, and that there are a large number of unique combinations of these genes present in elite maize germplasm. If not, genetic progress using elite inbred lines would no longer be possible. Studies by Duvick and Russell (Duvick, D. N., Maydica 37:69-79, (1992); Russell, W. A., Maydica XXIX:375-390 (1983)) have shown that over the last 50 years the rate of genetic progress in commercial hybrids has been between one and two percent per year.

The number of genes affecting the trait of primary economic importance in maize, grain yield, has been estimated to be in the range of 10-1000. Inbred lines which are used as parents for breeding crosses differ in the number and combination of these genes. These factors make the plant breeder's task more difficult. Compounding this is evidence that no one line contains the favorable allele at all loci, and that different alleles have different economic values depending on the genetic background and field environment in which the hybrid is grown. Fifty years of breeding experience suggests that there are many genes affecting grain yield and each of these has a relatively small effect on this trait. The effects are small compared to breeders' ability to measure grain yield differences in evaluation trials. Therefore, the parents of the breeding cross must differ at several of these loci so that the genetic differences in the progeny will be large enough that breeders can develop a line that increases the economic worth of its hybrids over that of hybrids made with either parent.

If the number of loci segregating in a cross between two inbred lines is n, the number of unique genotypes in the F₂ generation is 3^(n) and the number of unique inbred lines from this cross is {(2^(n))-2}. Only a very limited number of these combinations are useful. Only about 1 in 10,000 of the progeny from F₂ 's are commercially useful.

By way of example, if it is assumed that the number of segregating loci in F₂ is somewhere between 20 and 50, and that each parent is fixed for half the favorable alleles, it is then possible to calculate the approximate probabilities of finding an inbred that has the favorable allele at {(n/2)+m} loci, where n/2 is the number of favorable alleles in each of the parents and m is the number of additional favorable alleles in the new inbred. See Example 2 below. The number m is assumed to be greater than three because each allele has so small an effect that evaluation techniques are not sensitive enough to detect differences due to three or less favorable alleles. The probabilities in Example 2 are on the order of 10⁻⁵ or smaller and they are the probabilities that at least one genotype with (n/2)=m favorable alleles will exist.

To put this in perspective, the number of plants grown on 60 million acres (approximate United States corn acreage) at 25,000 plants/acre is 1.5×10¹².

EXAMPLE

    ______________________________________     Probability of finding an inbred with m of n favorable alleles.     Assume each parent has n/2 of the favorable alleles and only 1/2 of the     combinations of loci are economically useful.     No. of  No. of favorable                         No. additional     segregating             alleles in Parents                         favorable alleles in                                      Probability that     loci (n)             (n/2)       new inbred   genotype occurs*     ______________________________________     20      10          14           3 × 10.sup.-5     24      12          16           2 × 10.sup.-5     28      14          18           1 × 10.sup.-5     32      16          20           8 × 10.sup.-6     36      18          22           5 × 10.sup.-6     40      20          24           3 × 10.sup.-6     44      22          26           2 × 10.sup.-6     48      24          28           1 × 10.sup.-6     ______________________________________      *Probability that a useful combination exists, does not include the      probability of identifying this combination if it does exist.

The possibility of having a usably high probability of being able to identify this genotype based on replicated field testing would be most likely smaller than this, and is a function of how large a population of genotypes is tested and how testing resources are allocated in the testing program.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a hybrid maize plant, designated as 34K77, produced by crossing two Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize lines. This invention thus relates to the hybrid seed 34K77, the hybrid plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants and trivial modifications of hybrid 34K77. This hybrid maize plant is characterized by high stable yield performance and superior brittle stalk resistance. 34K77 has very good resistance to Gibberella, ear mold and Fusarium ear mold. 34K77 has above average grain protein content.

DEFINITIONS

In the description and examples that follow, a number of terms are us id herein. In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims, including the scope to be given such terms, the following definitions are provided. NOTE: ABS is in absolute terms and % MN is percent of the mean for the experiments in which the inbred or hybrid was grown. These designators will follow the descriptors to denote how the values are to be interpreted. Below are the descriptors used in the data tables included herein.

ANT ROT=ANTHRACNOSE STALK ROT (Colletotrichum graminicola). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Anthracnose Stalk Rot. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.

BAR PLT=BARREN PLANTS. The percent of plants per plot that were not barren (lack ears).

BRT STK=BRITTLE STALKS. This is a measure of the stalk breakage near the time of pollination, and is an indication of whether a hybrid or inbred would snap or break near the time of flowering under severe winds. Data are presented as percentage of plants that did not snap in paired comparisons and on a 1 to 9 scale (9=highest resistance) in Characteristics Charts.

BU ACR=YIELD (BUSHELS/ACRE). Yield of the grain at harvest in bushels per acre adjusted to 15.5% moisture.

CLN=CORN LETHAL NECROSIS (synergistic interaction of maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) in combination with either maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV-A or MDMV-B) or wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV)). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Corn Lethal Necrosis. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.

COM RST=COMMON RUST (Puccinia sorghi). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Common Rust. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.

CRM=COMPARATIVE RELATIVE MATURITY (see PRM).

D/D=DRYDOWN. This represents the relative rate at which hybrid will reach acceptable harvest moisture compared to other hybrids on a 1-9 rating scale. A high score indicates a hybrid that dries relatively fast while a low score indicates a hybrid that dries slowly.

D/E=DROPPED EARS. Represented in a 1 to 9 scale in the Characteristics Chart, where 9 is the rating representing the least, or no, dropped ears.

DIP ERS=DIPLODIA EAR MOLD SCORES (Diplodia maydis and Diplodia macrospora). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Diplodia Ear Mold. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.

DRP EAR=DROPPED EARS. A measure of the number of dropper ears per plot and represents the percentage of plants that did not drop ears prior to harvest.

D/T=DROUGHT TOLERANCE. This represents a 1-9 rating for drought tolerance, and is based on data obtained under stress conditions. A high score indicates good drought tolerance and a low score indicates poor drought tolerance.

EAR HT=EAR HEIGHT. The ear height is a measure from the ground to the highest placed developed ear node attachment and is measured in inches. This is represented in a 1 to 9 scale in the Characteristics Chart, where 9 is highest.

EAR MLD=General Ear Mold. Visual rating (1-9 score) where a "1" is very susceptible and a "9" is very resistant. This is based on overall rating for ear mold of miniature ears without determining the specific mold organism, and may not be predictive for a specific ear mold.

EAR SZ=EAR SIZE. A 1 to 9 visual rating of ear size. The higher the rating the larger the ear size.

ECB 1LF=EUROPEAN CORN BORER FIRST GENERATION LEAF FEEDING (Ostrinia nubilalis). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to preflowering leaf feeding by first generation European Corn Borer. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.

ECB 2IT=EUROPEAN CORN BORER SECOND GENERATION INCHES OF TUNNELING (Ostrinia nubilalis). Average inches of tunneling per plant in the stalk.

ECB 2SC=EUROPEAN CORN BORER SECOND GENERATION (Ostrinia nubilalis). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating post flowering degree of stalk breakage ant other evidence of feeding by European Corn Borer, Second Generation. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.

ECB DPE=EUROPEAN CORN BORER DROPPED EARS (Ostrinia nubilalis). Dropped ears due to European Corn Borer. Percentage of plants that did not drop ears under second generation corn borer infestation.

E/G=EARLY GROWTH. This represents a 1 to 9 rating for early growth, scored when two leaf collars are visible. A higher rating indicates a taller plant than does lower rating.

EST CNT=EARLY STAND COUNT. This is a measure of the stand establishment in the spring and represents the number of plants that emerge on per plot basis for the inbred or hybrid.

EYE SPT=Eye Spot (Kabatiella zeae or Aureobasidium zeae). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Eye Spot. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.

FUS ERS=FUSARIUM EAR ROT SCORE (Fusarium moniliforme or Fusarium subglutinans). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Fusarium ear rot. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.

G/A=GRAIN APPEARANCE. Appearance of grain in the grain tank (scored down for mold, cracks, red streak, etc.).

GDU=Growing Degree Units. Using the Barger Heat Unit Theory that assumes that maize growth occurs in the temperature range 50° F.-86° F. and that temperatures outside this range slow down growth; the maximum daily heat unit accumulation is 36 and the minimum daily heat unit accumulation is 0. The seasonal accumulation of GDU is a major factor in determining maturity zones.

GDU PHY=GDU TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY. The number of growing degree units required for an inbred or hybrid line to have approximately 50 percent of plants at physiological maturity from time of planting. Growing degree units are calculated by the Barger method.

GDU SHD=GDU TO SHED. The number of growing degree units (GDUs) or heat units required for an inbred line or hybrid to have approximately 50 percent of the plants shedding pollen and is measured from the time of planting. Growing degree units are calculated by the Barger Method, where the heat units for a 24-hour period are: ##EQU1##

The highest maximum temperature used is 86° F. and the lowest minimum temperature used is 50° F. For each inbred or hybrid it takes a certain number of GDUs to reach various stages of plant development.

GDU SLK=GDU TO SILK. The number of growing degree units required for an inbred line or hybrid to have approximately 50 percent of the plants with silk emergence from time of planting. Growing degree units are calculated by the Barger Method as given in GDU SHD definition.

GIB ERS=GIBBERELLA EAR ROT (PINK MOLD) (Gibberella zeae). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Gibberella Ear Rot. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.

GLF SPT=Gray Leaf Spot (Cercospora zeae-maydis). A 1 to 9 vis al rating indicating the resistance to Gray Leaf Spot. A higher score indicates a higher resistance. GOS WLT=Goss' Wilt (Corynebacterium nebraskense). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Goss' Wilt. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.

GRN APP=GRAIN APPEARANCE. This is a 1 to 9 rating for the general appearance of the shelled grain as it is harvested based on such factors as the color of harvested grain, any mold on the grain, and any cracked grain. High scores indicate good grain quality.

H/POP=YIELD AT HIGH DENSITY. Yield ability at relatively high p ant densities on 1-9 relative rating system with a higher number indicating the hybrid respond well to high plant densities for yield relative to other hybrids. A 1, 5, and 9 would represent very poor, average, and very good yield response, respectively, to increased plant density.

HC BLT=HELMINTHOSPORIUM CARIBONUM LEAF BLIGHT (Helminthosporium carbonium). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Helminthosporium infection. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.

HD SMT=HEAD SMUT (Sphacelotheca reiliana). This score indicates the percentage of plants not infected.

INC D/A=GROSS INCOME (DOLLARS PER ACRE). Relative income per acre assuming drying costs of two cents per point above 15.5 percent harvest moisture and current market price per bushel.

INCOME/ACRE. Income advantage of hybrid to be patented over other hybrid on per acre basis.

INC ADV=GROSS INCOME ADVANTAGE. GROSS INCOME advantage of variety #1 over variety #2.

L/POP=YIELD AT LOW DENSITY. Yield ability at relatively low plant densities on a 1-9 relative system with a higher number indicating the hybrid responds well to low plant densities for yield relative to other hybrids. A 1, 5, and 9 would represent very poor average, and very good yield response, respectively, to low plant density.

MDM CPX=MAIZE DWARF MOSAIC COMPLEX (MDMV=Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus and MCDV=Maize Chlorotic Dwarf Virus). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Maize Dwarf Mosaic Complex. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.

MST=HARVEST MOISTURE. The moisture is the actual percentage moisture of the grain at harvest.

MST ADV=MOISTURE ADVANTAGE. The moisture advantage of variety #1 over variety #2 as calculated by: MOISTURE of variety #2--MOISTURE of variety #1=MOISTURE ADVANTAGE of variety #1.

NLF BLT=Northern Leaf Blight (Helminthosporium turcicum or Exserohilum turcicum). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Northern Leaf Blight. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.

PHY CRM=CRM at physiological maturity.

PLT HT=PLANT HEIGHT. This is a measure of the height of the plant from the ground to the tip of the tassel in inches. This is represented as a 1 to 9 scale, 9 highest, in the Characteristics Chart.

POL SC=POLLEN SCORE. A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the amount of pollen shed. The higher the score the more pollen shed.

POL WT=POLLEN WEIGHT. This is calculated by dry weight of tassels collected as shedding commences minus dry weight from similar tassels harvested after shedding is complete.

It should be understood that the inbred can, through routine manipulation of cytoplasmic or other factors, be produced in a male-sterile form. Such embodiments are also contemplated within the scope of the present claims.

POP K/A=PLANT POPULATIONS. Measured as 1000s per acre.

POP ADV=PLANT POPULATION ADVANTAGE. The plant population advantage of variety #1 over variety #2 as calculated by PLANT POPULATION of variety #2-PLANT POPULATION of variety #1=PLANT POPULATION ADVANTAGE of variety #1.

PRM=PREDICTED Relative Maturity. This trait, predicted relative maturity, is based on the harvest moisture of the grain. The relative maturity rating is based on a known set of checks and utilizes standard linear regression analyses and is referred to as the Comparative Relative Maturity Rating System that is similar to the Minnesota Relative Maturity Rating System.

PRM SHD=A relative measure of the growing degree units (GDU) required to reach 50% pollen shed. Relative values are predicted values from the linear regression of observed GDU's on relative maturity of commercial checks.

PRO=PROTEIN RATING. Rating on a 1 to 9 scale comparing relative amount of protein in the grain compared to hybrids of similar maturity. A "1" score difference represents a 0.4 point change in grain protein percent (e.g., 8.0% to 8.4%).

P/Y=PROTEIN/YIELD RATING. Indicates, on a 1 to 9 scale, the economic value of a hybrid for swine and poultry feeders. This takes into account the income due to yield, moisture and protein content.

ROOTS (%)=Percent of stalks NOT root lodged at harvest.

R/L=ROOT LODGING. A 1 to 9 rating indicating the level of root lodging resistance. The higher score represents higher levels of resistance.

RT LDG=ROOT LODGING. Root lodging is the percentage of plants that do not root lodge; plants that lean from the vertical axis as an approximately 30° angle or greater would be counted as root lodged.

RTL ADV=ROOT LODGING ADVANTAGE. The root lodging advantage of variety #1 over variety #2.

S/L=STALK LODGING. A 1 to 9 rating indicating the level of stalk lodging resistance. The higher scores represent higher levels of resistance.

SCT GRN=SCATTER GRAIN. A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the amount of scatter grain (lack of pollination or kernel abortion) on the ear. The higher the score the less scatter grain.

SDG VGR=SEEDLING VIGOR. This is the visual rating (1 to 9) of the amount of vegetative growth after emergence at the seedling stage (approximately five leaves). A higher score indicates better vigor.

SEL IND=SELECTION INDEX. The selection index gives a single measure of the hybrid's worth based on information for up to five traits. A maize breeder may utilize his or her own set of traits for the selection index. One of the traits that is almost always included is yield. The selection index data presented in the tables represent the mean value averaged across testing stations.

SLF BLT=SOUTHERN LEAF BLIGHT (Helminthosporium maydis or Bipolaris maydis). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Southern Leaf Blight. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.

SLK CRM=CRM at Silking.

SOU RST=SOUTHERN RUST (Puccinia polysora). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Southern Rust. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.

STA GRN=STAY GREEN. Stay green is the measure of plant health near the time of black layer formation (physiological maturity). A high score indicates better late-season plant health.

STAND (%)=Percent of stalks standing at harvest.

STD ADV=STALK STANDING ADVANTAGE. The advantage of variety #1 over variety #2 for the trait STK CNT.

STK CNT=NUMBER OF PLANTS. This is the final stand or number of plants per plot.

STK LDG=STALK LODGING. This is the percentage of plants that did not stalk lodge (stalk breakage) as measured by either natural lodging or pushing the stalks and determining the percentage of plants that break below the ear.

STW WLT=Stewart's Wilt (Erwinia stewartii). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Stewart's Wilt. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.

TAS BLS=TASSEL BLAST. A 1 to 9 visual rating was used to measure the degree of blasting (necrosis due to heat stress) of the tassel at the time of flowering. A 1 would indicate a very high level of blasting at time of flowering, while a 9 would have no tassel blasting.

TAS SZ=TASSEL SIZE. A 1 to 9 visual rating was used to indicate the relative size of the tassel. The higher the rating the larger the tassel.

TAS WT=TASSEL WEIGHT. This is the average weight of a tassel (grams) just prior to pollen shed.

TEX EAR=EAR TEXTURE. A 1 to 9 visual rating was used to indicate the relative hardness (smoothness of crown) of mature grain. A 1 would be very soft (extreme dent) while a 9 would be very hard (flinty or very smooth crown).

TILLER=TILLERS. A count of the number of tillers per plot that could possibly shed pollen was taken. Data is given as a percentage of tillers: number of tillers per plot divided by number of plants per plot.

TST WT (CHARACTERISTICS CHART)=Test weight on a 1 to 9 rating scale with a 9 being the highest rating.

TST WT=TEST WEIGHT (UNADJUSTED). The measure of the weight of the grain in pounds for a given volume (bushel).

TST WTA=TEST WEIGHT ADJUSTED. The measure of the weight of the grain in pounds for a given volume (bushel) adjusted for 15.5 percent moisture.

TSW ADV=TEST WEIGHT ADVANTAGE. The test weight advantage of variety #1 over variety #2.

WIN M %=PERCENT MOISTURE WINS.

WIN Y %=PERCENT YIELD WINS.

YLD=YIELD. It is the same as BU ACR ABS.

YLD ADV=YIELD ADVANTAGE. The yield advantage of variety #1 over variety #2 as calculated by: YIELD of variety #1-YIELD variety #2=yield advantage of variety #1.

YLD SC=YIELD SCORE. A 1 to 9 visual rating was used to give a relative rating for yield based on plot ear piles. The higher the rating the greater visual yield appearance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Pioneer Brand Hybrid 34K77 exhibits high, stable yield performance. It has superior brittle snap resistance and strong drought tolerance. Hybrid 34K77 also exhibits good resistance to Gibberella ear mold and excellent Fusarium ear mold resistance. It produces above average grain protein content and demonstrates good stay green and very good grain quality as well.

Pioneer Brand Hybrid 34K77 is a single cross, yellow endosperm, dent maize hybrid with high stable yield. 34K77 has stable yield across environments and good ear mold resistance. It is particularly suited to the United States dry lands including the Southwestern and Western United States.

This hybrid has the following characteristics based on the data collected primarily at Johnston, Iowa.

                                      TABLE 1     __________________________________________________________________________     VARIETY DESCRIPTION INFORMATION     VARIETY = 34K77     __________________________________________________________________________       TYPE: (describe intermediate types in Comments section):     2   1 = Sweet 2 = Dent 3 = Flint 4 = Flour 5 = Pop 6 = Ornamental       MATURITY:     DAYS  HEAT UNITS     072   1,268.5               From emergence to 50% of plants in silk     074   1,316.0               From emergence to 50% of plants in pollen     005   0,115.0               From 10% to 90% pollen shed     067   1,163.0               From 50% silk to harvest at 25% moisture       PLANT:                                    Standard                                         Sample                                    Deviation                                         Size     0,273.0           cm Plant Height (to tassel tip)                                    25.46                                         2     0,111.0           cm Ear Height (to base of top ear node)                                    1.41 2     0,018.8           cm Length of Top Ear Internode                                    1.98 10     1        Average Number of Tillers                                    0.00 2     1.0      Average Number of Ears per Stalk                                    0.00 2     2.0      Anthocyanin of Brace Roots: 1 = Absent 2 = Faint 3 = Moderate 4              = Dark       LEAF:                                    Standard                                         Sample                                    Deviation                                         Size     010.1 cm Width of Ear Node Leaf                                    0.42 10     083.0 cm Length of Ear Node Leaf                                    1.98 10     05.8     Number of leaves above top ear                                    0.85 10     043.5    Degrees Leaf Angle (measure from 2nd leaf above                                    2.12 2              ear at anthesis to stalk above leaf)     03       Leaf Color                    Dark Green                          (Munsell code) 5GY44     1.0      Leaf Sheath Pubescence (Rate on scale from 1 = none to 9 = like              peach fuzz)     5.5      Marginal Waves (Rate on scale from 1 = none to 9 = many)     6.5      Longitudinal Creases (Rate on scale from 1 = none to 9 = many)       TASSEL:                                    Standard                                         Sample                                    Deviation                                         Size     04.8     Number of Primary Lateral Branches                                    1.70 10     044.0    Branch Angle from Central Spike                                    2.83 2     72.9  cm Tassel Length (from top leaf collar to tassel tip)                                    2.40 2     7.0      Pollen Shed (rate on scale from 0 = male sterile to 9 = heavy              shed)     14       Anther Color                    Red   (Munsell code)      7.5RP36     01       Glume Color                    Light Green                          (Munsell code)      5GY66     1.0      Bar Glumes (Glume Bands): 1 = Absent 2 = Present     29       Peduncle Length (cm. from top leaf to basal branches)     6a.       EAR (Unhusked Data):     11    Silk Color (3 days after emergence)                               Pink   (Munsell code)                                              5R46     2     Fresh Husk Color (25 days after 50% silking)                               Medium Green                                      (Munsell code)                                              5GY56     21    Dry Husk Color (65 days after 50% silking)                               Buff   (Munsell code)                                              2.5Y84     1     Position of Ear at Dry Husk Stage: 1 = Upright 2 = Horizontal 3 =           Pendant                            Upright     4     Husk Tightness (Rate of Scale from 1 = very loose to 9 = very           tight)     2     Husk Extension (at harvest): 1 = Short (ears exposed) 2 = Medium           (<8 cm)                            Medium           3 = Long (8-10 cm beyond ear tip) 4 = Very Long (>10 cm)     6b.       EAR (Husked Ear Data):                                    Standard                                         Sample                                    Deviation                                         Size     18    cm Ear Length            2.12 10     50    mm Ear Diameter at mid-point                                    2.83 10     219   gm Ear Weight            82.73                                         10     18       Nurnber of Kernel Rows                                    0.71 10     2        Kernel Rows: 1 = Indistinct 2 = Distinct                                              Distinct     1        Row Alignment: 1 = Straight 2 = Slightly Curved 3                                              Straight     14    cm Shank Length          4.95 10     2        Ear Taper: 1 = Slight 2 = Average 3 = Extreme                                              Average       KERNEL (Dried):                                    Standard                                         Sample                                    Deviation                                         Size     14    mm Kernel Length         0.71 10     8     mm Kernel Width          0.00 10     5     mm Kernel Thickness      0.71 10     12       % Round Kernels (Shape Grade)                                    4.95 2     1        Aleurone Color Pattern: 1 = Homozygous 2 = Segregating                                              Homozygous     7        Aluerone Color                        Yellow      (Munsell code)                                              10YR712     7        Hard Endosperm Color                        Yellow      (Munsell code)                                              10YR612     3        Endosperm Type:                        Normal Starch              1 = Sweet (Su1) 2 = Extra Sweet (sh2) 3 = Normal Starch              4 = High Amylose Starch 5 = Waxy Starch 6 = High Protein              7 = High Lysine 8 = Super Sweet (se) 9 = High Oil              10 = Other     34    gm Weight per 100 Kernels (unsized sample)                                    3.54 2       COB:                                    Standard                                         Sample                                    Deviation                                         Size     26    mm Cob Diameter at mid-point                                    1.41 10     19       Cob Color                   White            (Munsell code)                                              2.5Y8.52              Cob Strength 1 = Weak 2 = Strong       DISEASE RESISTANCE (Rate from 1 (most susceptible) to 9 (most       resistant); leave blank       if not tested; leave Race or Strain Options blank if polygenic):     A.    Leaf Blights, Wilts, and Local Infection Diseases              Anthracnose Leaf Blight (Colletotrichum graminicola)     7        Common Rust (Puccinia sorghi)              Common Smut (Ustilago maydis)     4        Eyespot (Kabatiella zeae)     8        Goss's Wilt (Clavibacter michiganense spp. nebraskense)     4        Gray Leaf Spot (Cercospora zeae-maydis)              Helminthosporium Leaf Spot (Bipolaris zeicola) Race     5        Northern Leaf Blight (Exsemhilum turcicum) Race     8        Southern Leaf Blight (Bipolaris maydis) Race     3        Southern Rust (Puccinia polysora)     4        Stewart's Wilt (Erwinia stewartii)              Other (Specify)     B.    Systemic Diseases     3        Corn Lethal Necrosis (MCMV and MDMV)              Head Smut (Sphacelotheca reiliana)              Maize Chlorotic Dwarf Virus (MDV)              Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus (MCMV)              Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus (MDMV)              Sorghum Downy Mildew of Corn (Peronosclerospora sorghi)              Other (Specify)     C.    Stalk Rots     3        Anthracnose Stalk Rot (Colletotrichum graminicola)              Diplodia Stalk Rot (Stenocarpella maydis)              Fusarium Stalk Rot (Fusarium moniliforme)              Gibberella Stalk Rot (Gibberella zeae)              Other (Specify)     D.    Ear and Kernel Rots              Aspergillus Ear and Kernel Rot (Aspergillus flavus)     5        Diplodia Ear Rot (Stenocarpella maydis)     7        Fusarium Ear and Kernel Rot (Fusarium moniliforme)     7        Gibberella Ear Rot (Gibberella zeae)              Other (Specify)              Banks grass Mite (Oligonychus pratensis)              Corn Worm (Helicoverpa zea)              Leaf Feeding              Silk Feeding              mg larval wt.              Ear Damage              Corn Leaf Aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis)              Corn Sap Beetle (Carpophilus dimidiatus)              European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis)     3        1st Generation (Typically Whorl Leaf Feeding)     4        2nd Generation (Typically Leaf Sheath-Collar Feeding)              Stalk Tunneling              cm tunneled/plant              Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera fruqiperda)              Leaf Feeding              Silk Feeding              mg larval wt.              Maize Weevil (Sitophilus zeamaize)              Northern Rootworm (Diabrotica barberi)              Southern Rootworm (Diabrotica undecimpunctata)              Southwestern Corn Borer (Diatreaea grandiosella)              Leaf Feeding              Stalk Tunneling              cm tunneled/plant              Two-spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae)              Western Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifrea virgifera)              Other (Specify)       AGRONOMIC TRAITS:     5     Staygreen (at 65 days after anthesis) (Rate on a scale from 1 =           worst to           excellent)     1.0   % Dropped Ears (at 65 days after anthesis)           % Pre-anthesis Brittle Snapping           % Pre-anthesis Root Lodging     6.5   Post-anthesis Root Lodging (at 65 days after anthesis)     10,030 Kg/ha Yield (at 12-13% grain moisture)     __________________________________________________________________________

Research Comparisons for Pioneer Hybrid 34K77

Comparisons of characteristics of Pioneer Brand Hybrid 34K77 were made against Pioneer Brand Hybrids 3394, 3489, and 3563, all of which are similarly adapted as 34K77.

Table 2A compares Pioneer Hybrid 34K77 and Pioneer Hybrid 3394. The results show that 34K77 is significantly earlier maturing than hybrid 3394. The 34K77 hybrid demonstrates a lower yield but also shows significantly lower harvest moisture and a significantly higher test weight than hybrid 3394. The 34K77 hybrid demonstrates significantly superior brittle snap resistance than 3394. Hybrid 34K77 also exhibits significantly better resistance to Fusarium Ear Rot, significantly better resistance to Gray Leaf Spot and significantly better resistance to Southern Leaf Blight than hybrid 3394.

Table 2B compares Pioneer Hybrid 34K77 and Pioneer Hybrid 3489. The results show that the 34K77 hybrid demonstrates a lower yield but also shows significantly lower harvest moisture and a significantly higher test weight than hybrid 3489. The 34K77 hybrid demonstrates a significantly higher early stand count and exhibits a shorter plant stature with significantly higher ear placement than the 3489 hybrid. The 34K77 hybrid exhibits significantly superior brittle snap resistance and a significantly superior grain appearance score as well. Hybrid 34K77 also exhibits significantly higher resistance to Northern Leaf Blight, Southern Leaf Blight, and Fusarium Ear Rot when compared to hybrid 3489.

Table 2C compares Pioneer Hybrid 34K77 with Pioneer Hybrid 3563. The results show that hybrid 34K77 demonstrates a significantly superior resistance to brittle snap than hybrid 3563. The 34K77 hybrid is also shorter with higher ear placement than the 3563 hybrid. The 34K77 hybrid also exhibits a significantly superior grain appearance score than the 3563 hybrid. Both hybrids exhibit good stay green scores.

                                      TABLE 2A     __________________________________________________________________________     HYBRID COMPARISON REPORT     VARIETY #1 = 34K77     VARIETY #2 = 3394     __________________________________________________________________________                    PRM BU  BU      TST SDG EST GDU                PRM SHD ACR ACR MST WT  VGR CNT SHD                ABS ABS ABS % MN                                % MN                                    ABS % MN                                            % MN                                                % MN     __________________________________________________________________________     TOTAL SUM            1   107 109 160.9                            99  97  56.0                                        88  103 100            2   108 112 163.8                            100 100 55.6                                        123 102 103            LOCS                68  72  310 310 312 158 144 171 99            REPS                68  72  357 357 359 171 176 191 118            DIFF                1   3   2.9 1   3   0.4 34  0   3            PR > T                .000#                    .000#                        .022+                            .112                                .000#                                    .001#                                        .000#                                            .999                                                .000#     __________________________________________________________________________                GDU STK PLT EAR RT  STA STK BRT GRN                SLK CNT HT  HT  LDG GRN LDG STK APP                % MN                    % MN                        % MN                            % MN                                % MN                                    % MN                                        % MN                                            % MN                                                % MN     __________________________________________________________________________     TOTAL SUM            1   99  102 98  100 100 99  98  109 113            2   102 102 99  105 105 101 101 97  103            LOCS                61  344 127 126 76  120 186 32  23            REPS                69  435 147 145 100 141 225 44  23            DIFF                3   0   1   5   5   2   3   11  10            PR > T                .000#                    .999                        .116                            .000#                                .036+                                    .642                                        .015+                                            .006#                                                .066*     __________________________________________________________________________                DRP GLF NLF SLF GOS STW ANT HD                EAR SPT BLT BLT WLT WLT ROT SMT CLN                % MN                    ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS     __________________________________________________________________________     TOTAL SUM            1   100 3.8 5.3 7.6 7.5 4.0 2.8 98.0                                                3.3            2   99  2.4 5.1 5.0 8.0 6.5 3.1 96.5                                                5.8            LOCS                81  28  11  4   2   2   4   2   2            REPS                90  40  22  8   3   2   8   6   4            DIFF                1   1.3 0.2 2.6 0.5 2.5 0.4 1.5 2.5            PR > T                .049+                    .000#                        .360                            .009#                                .500                                    .126                                        .547                                            .832                                                .126     __________________________________________________________________________                            FUS                               DIP                                  EYE                                     COM                                        SOU                                           ECB                                              ECB                                                 ECB                            ERS                               ERS                                  SPT                                     RST                                        RST                                           DPE                                              1LF                                                 2SC                            ABS                               ABS                                  ABS                                     ABS                                        ABS                                           ABS                                              ABS                                                 ABS     __________________________________________________________________________                 TOTAL SUM                        1   7.1                               5.0                                  4.0                                     7.0                                        3.0                                           88.5                                              2.5                                                 3.4                        2   3.9                               8.0                                  3.0                                     4.5                                        3.0                                           87.6                                              1.5                                                 5.1                        LOCS                            4  1  1  1  1  13 2  24                        REPS                            8  1  1  2  1  18 2  29                        DIFF                            3.2                               3.0                                  1.0                                     2.5                                        0.0                                           1.0                                              1.0                                                 1.7                        PR > T                            .006#          .467                                              .000#                                                 .000#     __________________________________________________________________________      *= 10% SIG      += 5% SIG      #= 1% SIG

                                      TABLE 2B     __________________________________________________________________________     HYBRID COMPARISON REPORT     VARIETY #1 = 34K77     VARIETY #2 = 3489     __________________________________________________________________________                    PRM BU  BU      TST SDG EST GDU                PRM SHD ACR ACR MST WT  VGR CNT SHD                ABS ABS ABS % MN                                % MN                                    ABS % MN                                            % MN                                                % MN     __________________________________________________________________________     TOTAL SUM            1   107 109 160.7                            99  98  55.8                                        89  103 100            2   109 109 163.2                            101 102 55.3                                        85  100 100            LOCS                76  74  364 364 368 181 152 190 103            REPS                76  74  414 414 418 197 182 218 119            DIFF                2   0   2.6 1   4   0.6 4   3   0            PR > T                .000#                    .999                        .042+                            .112                                .000#                                    .000#                                        .076*                                            .000#                                                .999     __________________________________________________________________________                GDU STK PLT EAR RT  STA STK BRT GRN                SLK CNT HT  HT  LDG GRN LDG STK APP                % MN                    % MN                        % MN                            % MN                                % MN                                    % MN                                        % MN                                            % MN                                                % MN     __________________________________________________________________________     TOTAL SUM            1   100 102 98  99  100 101 99  107 108            2   101 100 101 86  109 98  99  86  97            LOCS                62  388 130 129 72  122 203 41  38            REPS                71  489 145 143 91  138 238 64  41            DIFF                2   2   3   13  9   3   0   21  11            PR > T                .000#                    .000#                        .000#                            .000#                                .008#                                    .429                                        .999                                            .000#                                                .002#     __________________________________________________________________________                DRP GLF NLF SLF GOS STW ANT HD                EAR SPT BLT BLT WLT WLT ROT SMT CLN                % MN                    ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS     __________________________________________________________________________     TOTAL SUM            1   100 3.8 5.3 7.6 7.5 4.0 2.8 98.0                                                3.3            2   100 3.6 3.9 4.3 7.8 4.5 2.5 100.0                                                4.5            LOCS                100 27  10  4   2   2   4   2   2            REPS                114 39  19  8   3   2   8   6   4            DIFF                0   0.3 1.4 3.4 0.3 0.5 0.3 2.0 1.3            PR > T                .999                    .095*                        .000#                            .001#                                .795                                    .500                                        .769                                            .500                                                .728     __________________________________________________________________________                FUS GIB DIP EYE COM SOU ECB ECB ECB                ERS ERS ERS SPT RST RST DPE 1LF 2SC                ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS     __________________________________________________________________________     TOTAL SUM            1   7.1 4.0 5.0 4.0 7.0 3.0 99.9                                            2.3 3.5            2   4.3 4.0 8.0 6.0 5.0 5.0 99.6                                            2.0 5.3            LOCS                4   1   1   1   1   1   9   3   23            REPS                8   1   1   1   2   1   10  3   28            DIFF                2.8 0.0 3.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 0.3 0.3 1.8            PR > T                .014+                   .510                                            .423                                                .000#     __________________________________________________________________________      *= 10% SIG      += 5% SIG      #= 1% SIG

                                      TABLE 2C     __________________________________________________________________________     HYBRID COMPARISON REPORT     VARIETY #1 = 34K77     VARIETY #2 = 3563     __________________________________________________________________________                    PRM BU  BU      TST SDG EST GDU GDU                PRM SHD ACR ACR MST WT  VGR CNT SHD SLK                ABS ABS ABS % MN                                % MN                                    ABS % MN                                            % MN                                                % MN                                                    % MN     __________________________________________________________________________     TOTAL SUM            1   107 109 157.5                            99  98  55.7                                        89  103 100 100            2   105 107 159.5                            101 93  57.0                                        110 104 98  99            LOCS                58  58  265 265 269 143 114 156 77  49            REPS                58  58  295 295 299 156 129 171 85  54            DIFF                2   2   2.1 1   5   1.4 21  1   2   1            PR > T                .000#                    .000#                        .124                            .130                                .000#                                    .000#                                        .000#                                            .122                                                .000#                                                    .011+     __________________________________________________________________________                STK PLT EAR RT  STA STK BRT GRN DRP GLF                CNT HT  HT  LDG GRN LDG STK APP EAR SPT                % MN                    % MN                        % MN                            % MN                                % MN                                    % MN                                        % MN                                            % MN                                                % MN                                                    ABS     __________________________________________________________________________     TOTAL SUM            1   102 98  100 99  103 100 110 106 100 3.8            2   103 101 93  111 99  101 91  97  100 3.8            LOCS                295 96  95  55  94  161 21  35  92  15            REPS                354 104 102 64  104 179 36  38  103 16            DIFF                1   2   7   13  5   1   19  9   0   0.0            PR > T                .041+                    .000#                        .000#                            .008#                                .296                                    .189                                        .017+                                            .020+                                                .999                                                    .999     __________________________________________________________________________                                NLF                                   FUS                                      DIP                                         EYE                                            SOU                                               ECB                                                  ECB                                                     ECB                                BLT                                   ERS                                      ERS                                         SPT                                            RST                                               DPE                                                  1LF                                                     2SC                                ABS                                   ABS                                      ABS                                         ABS                                            ABS                                               ABS                                                  ABS                                                     ABS     __________________________________________________________________________                     TOTAL SUM                            1   6.0                                   8.0                                      5.0                                         4.0                                            3.0                                               99.9                                                  2.3                                                     3.0                            2   5.0                                   6.0                                      2.0                                         3.0                                            3.0                                               99.8                                                  3.0                                                     4.3                            LOCS                                1  1  1  1  1  8  3  14                            REPS                                2  1  1  1  1  9  3  14                            DIFF                                1.0                                   2.0                                      3.0                                         1.0                                            0.0                                               0.1                                                  0.7                                                     1.3                            PR > T             .715                                                  .184                                                     .013+     __________________________________________________________________________      *= 10% SIG      += 5% SIG      #= 1% SIG

Strip Test Data for Hybrid 34K77

Comparison data was collected from strip tests that were grown by farmers. Each hybrid was grown in strips of 4, 6, 8, 12, etc. rows in fields depending on the size of the planter used. The data was collected from strip tests that had the hybrids in the same area and weighed. The moisture percentage was determined and bushels per acre was adjusted to 15.5 percent moisture. The number of comparisons represent the number of locations or replications for the two hybrids that were grown in the same field in close proximity and compared.

Comparison strip testing was done between Pioneer Brand Hybrid 34K77 and Pioneer Brand Hybrids 3489, 3394, and 3563. The comparisons come from all the hybrid's adapted growing areas in the United States.

These results are presented in Table 3. As can be seen from the results, hybrid 34K77 has a yield advantage over all but one of the hybrids. The average yield advantage is 2.9 bushels per acre. Hybrid 34K77 showed a greater income advantage to the farmer based on adjusted growth income over all of the hybrids compared. The average income advantage ranged from $1.66 to as much as $22.16 per acre. 34K77's yield and income advantage plus its advantage for other characteristics over these hybrids will make it an important addition for most of the areas where these hybrids are grown.

                                      TABLE 3     __________________________________________________________________________     1996 PERFORMANCE COMPARISON REPORT FOR CORN     1 YEAR SUMMARY OF ALL STANDARD TEST TYPES                        Income/                            Pop Stand                                   Roots                                      Test     Brand Product                Yield                    Moist                        Acre                            K/Acre                                (%)                                   (%)                                      Wt     __________________________________________________________________________     PIONEER           34K77                179.0                    20.1                        519.84                            26.6                                92 98 56.5     PIONEER           3489 179.9                    21.3                        518.18                            25.9                                92 99 55.8     Advantage  -0.9                    1.2 1.66                            0.7 0  -1 0.7     Number of Comparisons                464 464 464 268 146                                   116                                      416     Percent Wins                47  73  53  50  32 6  61     Probability of Difference                87  99  62  99  26 99 99     PIONEER           34K77                180.4                    20.0                        524.39                            26.9                                92 98 56.6     PIONEER           3394 173.6                    20.8                        502.23                            26.1                                92 99 56.1     Advantage  6.8 0.8 22.16                            0.8 0  -1 0.5     Number of Comparisons                333 333 333 209 116                                   89 292     Percent Wins                69  63  70  49  35 3  50     Probability of Difference                99  99  99  99  46 99 99     PIONEER           34K77                175.2                    21.0                        505.76                            26.4                                92 96 55.9     PIONEER           3563 170.3                    19.6                        496.00                            26.0                                92 100                                      56.8     Advantage  4.9 -1.4                        9.76                            0.4 0  -4 -0.9     Number of Comparisons                274 274 274 153 90 76 235     Percent Wins                69  9   66  49  43 3  14     Probability of Difference                99  99  99  89  19 99 99     PIONEER           34K77                178.4                    20.3                        517.65                            26.6                                92 97 56.4     WEIGHTED AVG                175.5                    20.7                        507.54                            26.0                                92 99 56.2     Advantage  2.9 0.4 10.11                            0.6 0  -2 0.2     Number of Comparisons                1071                    1071                        1071                            630 352                                   281                                      943     Percent Wins                60  53  62  49  36 4  46     Probability of Difference                99  99  99  99  24 99 99     __________________________________________________________________________      NOTE:      The probability values are useful in analyzing if there is a "real"      difference in the genetic potential of the products involved.      High values are desirable, with 95% considered significant for real      differences.

Comparison of Key Characteristics for Hybrid 34K77

Characteristics of Pioneer Hybrid 34K77 are compared to Pioneer Hybrids 3394, 3489, and 3563 in Table 4. The values given for most traits are on a 1-9 basis. In these cases 9 would be outstanding, while 1 would be poor for the given characteristics. Table 4 shows that hybrid 34K77 demonstrates excellent yield. Hybrid 34K77 exhibits superior brittle snap resistance, and superior Fusarium ear rot resistance than all of the hybrids compared. Hybrid 34K77's excellent yield combined with its other favorable agronomic characteristics should make it an important hybrid to its area of adaptation.

                                      TABLE 4     __________________________________________________________________________     Hybrid Patent Comparisons-Characteristics     Pioneer Hybrid 34K77 vs. Pioneer Hybrids 3394, 3489 and     __________________________________________________________________________     3563             SILK                PHY                   GDU                      GDU                    STA     VARIETY          CRM             CRM                CRM                   SILK                      PHY                         YLD                            H/POP                                L/POP                                    D/D                                       S/L                                          R/L                                             GRN     __________________________________________________________________________     34K77          107             108                110                   1350                      2660                         9  9   8   6  5  5  6     3394 110             111                110                   1390                      2660                         8  8   8   8  7  7  7     3489 108             109                109                   1360                      2630                         9  9   9   8  5  7  6     3563 103             106                106                   1320                      2550                         8  8   7   6  6  6  6     __________________________________________________________________________             TST   PLT                      EAR   BRT HSK GLF                                       NLF                                          SLF                                             GOS     VARIETY          D/T             WT E/G                   HT HT D/E                            STK CV  SPT                                       BLT                                          BLT                                             WLT     __________________________________________________________________________     34K77          7  6  4  6  5  5  7   8   4  5  8  8     3394 7  6  8  5  6  4  4   4   2  5  5  8     3489 8  6  4  6  3  6  3   7   4  4  4  8     3563 7  8  4  7  4  7  5   7   3  6     8     __________________________________________________________________________                  STW                     ANT                        HD    FUS                                 GIB                                    EYE                                       COM                                          ECB                                             ECB             VARIETY                  WLT                     ROT                        SMT                           CLN                              ERS                                 ERS                                    SPT                                       RST                                          1LF                                             2SC     __________________________________________________________________________             34K77                  4  3  9  2  7  6  4  7  3  3             3394 7  4  8  7  4  7  4  5  3  5             3489 4  3  9  3  4  6  6  6  3  5             3563 6  5  8  4  4  4  6  4  4  5     __________________________________________________________________________

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

This invention includes hybrid maize seed of 34K77 and the hybrid maize plant produced therefrom. The foregoing was set forth by way of example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the term plant includes plant cells, plant protoplasts, plant cell tissue cultures from which maize plants can be regenerated, plant calli, plant clumps, and plant cells that are intact in plants, or parts of plants, such as embryos, pollen, ovules, flowers, kernels, ears, cobs, leaves, seeds, husks, stalks, roots, root tips, anthers, silk and the like.

Duncan, Williams, Zehr, and Widholm, Planta, (1985) 165:322-332 reflects that 97% of the plants cultured which produced callus were capable of plant regeneration. Subsequent experiments with both inbreds and hybrids produced 91% regenerable callus which produced plants. In a further study in 1988, Songstad, Duncan & Widholm in Plant Cell Reports (1988), 7:262-265 reports several media additions which enhance regenerability of callus of two inbred lines. Other published reports also indicated that "nontraditional" tissues are capable of producing somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration. K. P. Rao, et al., Maize Genetics Cooperation Newsletter, 60:64-65 (1986), refers to somatic embryogenesis from glume callus cultures and B. V. Conger, et al., Plant Cell Reports, 6:345-347 (1987) indicates somatic embryogenesis from the tissue cultures of maize leaf segments. Thus, it is clear from the literature that the state of the art is such that these methods of obtaining plants are, and were, "conventional" in the sense that they are routinely used and have a very high rate of success.

Tissue culture of maize is described in European Patent Application, publication 160,390, incorporated herein by reference. Maize tissue culture procedures are also described in Green and Rhodes, "Plant Regeneration in Tissue Culture of Maize," Maize for Biological Research (Plant Molecular Biology Association, Charlottesville, Virginia 1982, at 367-372) and in Duncan, et al., "The Production of Callus Capable of Plant Regeneration from Immature Embryos of Numerous Zea mays Geneotypes," 165 Planta 322-332 (1985). Thus, another aspect of this invention is to provide cells which upon growth and differentiation produce maize plants having the genotype of 34K77.

Maize is used as human food, livestock feed, and as raw material in industry. The food uses of maize, in addition to human consumption of maize kernels, include both products of dry- and wet-milling industries.

Maize, including both grain and non-grain portions of the plant, is also used extensively as livestock feed, primarily for beef cattle, dairy cattle, hogs, and poultry.

Industrial uses of maize include production of ethanol, maize starch in the wet-milling industry and maize flour in the dry-milling industry. The industrial applications of maize starch and flour are based on functional properties, such as viscosity, film formation, adhesive properties, and ability to suspend particles. The maize starch and flour have application in the paper and textile industries. Other industrial uses include applications in adhesives, building materials, foundry binders, laundry starches, explosives, oil-well muds, and other mining applications.

Plant parts other than the grain of maize are also used in industry. Stalks and husks are made into paper and wallboard and cobs are used for fuel and to make charcoal.

The seed of the hybrid maize plant and various parts of the hybrid maize plant can be utilized for human food, livestock feed, and as a raw material in industry.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the invention, as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

DEPOSITS

Applicant has made a deposit of at least 2500 seeds of Hybrid Maize Line 34K77 with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Manassas, Va. 2010 USA, ATCC Deposit No. 209914. The seeds deposited with the ATCC on May 27, 1998 were taken from the deposit maintained by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., 700 Capital Square, 400 Locust Sreet, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2340 since prior to the filing date of this application. This deposit of the Hybrind Maize Line 34K77 will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a public depository, for a period of 30 years, or 5 years after the most recent request, or for the enforceable life of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if it becomes nonviable during that period. Additionally, Applicant has satisfied all the requirements of 37 C.F.R. §§1.801-1.809, including providing an indication of the viability of the sample. Applicant imposes no restrictions on the availability of the deposited material from the ATCC; however, Applicant has no authority to waive any restrictions imposed by law on the transfer of biological material or its transportation in commerce. Applicant does not waive any infringement of its rights granted under this patent. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Hybrid maize seed designated 34K77, representative seed of said hybrid 34K77 having been deposited under ATCC accession number
 209914. 2. A maize plant, or its parts, produced by the seed of claim
 1. 3. Pollen of the plant of claim
 2. 4. An ovule of the plant of claim
 2. 5. A tissue culture of regenerable cells of a hybrid maize plant 34K77, representative seed of said hybrid maize plant 34K77 having been deposited under ATCC accession number 209914, wherein the tissue regenerates plants capable of expressing all the morphological and physiological characteristics of said hybrid maize plant 34K77.
 6. A tissue culture according to claim 5, the cells being from a tissue selected from the group consisting of leaves, pollen, embryos, roots, root tips, anthers, silks, flowers, kernels, ears, cobs, husks, and stalks.
 7. A maize plant, or its parts, regenerated from the tissue culture of claim 5 and capable of expressing all the morphological and physiological characteristics of hybrid maize plant 34K77, representative seed having been deposited under ATCC accession number
 209914. 